Figure 35. Percentage of high school seniors who reported watching TV; reading books, magazines, or newspapers; or working around the house at least once a week: Various years, 1979 to 2001 |
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NOTE: Percentages reflect the percentage of high school seniors who responded that they participated in these activities 'almost every day' or 'at least once a week.' The response rates for this survey do not meet NCES statistical standards. SOURCE: University of Michigan, Institute for Social Research, Monitoring the Future, various years. |
In 2001, 94 percent of high school seniors reported watching TV at least once a week, not measurably different than the percentage reported in 1979. However, there has been a decrease in the percentage of seniors who reported reading books, magazines, or newspapers; performing work around the house, yard, garden, or car; or going to taverns, bars, or nightclubs at least once a week. The percentages of students who reported going to the movies, parties, or shopping showed no measurable change between 1979 and 2001. Likewise, during this period, the percentage of high school seniors who reported playing musical instruments or being involved in arts and crafts showed no measurable change. After watching TV, getting together informally with friends was the second most popular activity reported by high school seniors in 2001. |
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